He claimed that a number of studies carried out over the last three years show the Government's policies are deeply unfair and are setting the foundations for long-term problems.

This week will mark the tenth anniversary of Mr Martin introducing the smoking ban as Minister for Health.

He said the latest independent report shows that almost 4,000 people are alive today because of the ban and that is something everyone in the country has a right to be proud of.

Mr Martin said Fianna Fáil believes in a public health system and it will oppose the plan to privatise it.

Addressing the garda whistleblower controversy he said there is something very wrong with Minister for Justice Alan Shatter still keeping his job after refusing to apologise for falsely attacking members of the gardaí.

As the party conference concludes the focus of delegates will now firmly turn to the Local and European Elections that will take place two months from tomorrow.